Armed guards protecting Prince George at new school after stalker threat

ARMED GUARDS: Police are guarding Prince George from a hired house near his new school

Extra officers have been drafted in since an alleged stalker targeted the young royal.

“Superfan” Louise Chantry was arrested after being accused of turning up twice in 24 hours at George’s new London school.

The security measure has also been deemed necessary in the wake of the Tube bucket bomb attack.

Officers were based inside the guard house – which we are not identifying for security reasons – on George’s first day at school.

Prince George's first day at school

Take a look through Prince George's first day of school.

1 / 16

Getty Images

Prince Georges's first day of school

They watched him through binoculars as he had fun in the playground with his new pals.

At the time, the police team had no plans to stay there long term. But after the alleged stalking incident and the Tube bombing, a source said they had taken up “practically permanent residence” in the home and intend to stay there until George leaves the school.

A security source said of the move: “It is costing a fortune in extra resources and rent for these personal protection officers to live in a home so they can watch over George.

“There was even talk of buying the property, but the owners were not prepared to sell.

GETTY

NEW SCHOOL: Thomas’ London Day School in Battersea, south-west London

“It is costing a fortune in extra resources and rent for these personal protection officers”

Security source

“They have settled on an arrangement where they rent a couple of rooms, primarily because one of them gives them a perfect vantage point to watch over George when he is playing.”

The royal family’s security bill is picked up by the Metropolitan Police and is believed to be more than £120million per year.

As a future king, George is one of the best protected members of the royal family.

Unemployed holistic healer Louise Chantry, 40, who was convicted of a hotel fraud this year, was released on bail after she was spotted at George’s £20,000-a-year school.

Neighbours at her former home in Littlehampton, west Sussex, said they believed she had mental health issues and that her six-year marriage failed a year ago.

She has also struggled to find work and was fined £100 in June for fraud after racking up hotel bills without paying.

She allegedly talked her way into Thomas’ London Day School in Battersea, south-west London.

GETTY

THREAT: Extra officers have been drafted in since an alleged stalker targeted the young royal

She was questioned for almost 24 hours at Wandsworth police station before being driven away by officers. Under her bail conditions, she must return to a police station next month.

Scotland Yard chiefs are now considering whether further measures are needed to ensure the safety of the prince, with the hiring of the home that overlooks his school believed to among them.

Experts warned the school, which is in an ageing building on a high street, cannot be turned into a fortress out of consideration for the well-being of other pupils.